Salt and Light in the Nations

Since the mid 70’s, driven by Loren Cunningham of YWAM and Bill Bright of Campus Crusade, a resurgence of mission focussed engagement with culture has emerged. It centers around the idea that there are 7 spheres that affect and drive culture in our societies. They are Government, Business, Arts, Media, Education, Family life and Religion. The thesis of this movement is that, as those called to be salt and light to our worlds, it is important that we celebrate, equip and encourage believers to affect each of these sphere for the Kingdom of our God.

I have loved this idea, since I first heard it in the early 80’s. It honors the call of God to various spheres and breaks the artificial barrier set up by an overzealous clergy and laity dialogue. It is not only those called to affect the mountain of religion that are called. The business man or woman as well as the stay at home mother or father who feel called to their roles are also to be celebrated. They also have to be accountable to the Lord for the administration of their calling just like those on the religion mountain.

I went with a friend of mine, Leif Hetland, to Pakistan recently. He has been going there for 26 years, loving people, honoring their culture, serving them, ministering to their needs, walking in humility and demonstrating the power of Jesus in signs wonders and healings. It is the greatest demonstration of being salt and light I have seen. I watched key leaders in that nation from each of the 7 spheres embrace him as a brother with true reciprocal affection. Muslim leaders, famous in their streams and celebrated in their nations went out of their way to love their brother. All of them asked if he would pray for them and all were healed in Jesus name. Family members far away were called, special meetings for sick relatives convened, the power of Jesus love on display to a people otherwise blinded to Him.

I began to reflect on the last few years where I have heard many calls to be salt and light, to affect the 7 mountains, for Christians to go and make a difference, as we are called to do. Included in affecting change, is serving people, loving them deeply, honoring what is honorable, and showing kindness to our enemies. We are not called to align with that which is unrighteous, but we are also not called to be voices of condemnation, mockery and wrath.

May I suggest that if we are to affect massive change in our worlds, that we follow Jesus example of showing people love before ever telling them to change. He showed mercy and removed condemnation from the adulteress before He told her to leave her sin. He provided for, healed, did miracles among large groups of “undeserving” people. He was known as the friend of sinners. His love and mercy infuriated religious legalists and unsettled traditionalists. He did not miss the tiniest part of His assignment from the Father and He did it with love.

I know there are radical changes that must come for the health of the nation and the church. As the Bride of Christ, with the authority given us, let’s lean hard towards Gods love, honor, humility, wisdom from above and the power of God. There is hope, there is a way and it is magnificent to elevate people, bringing them freedom, raise their dignity and lead them to Jesus. Lets become competent ministers of this new covenant.